CPU Core Physical Design Engineer

Intel; Folsom (CA); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Stock bonuses

Health benefits

Job summary

Intel in California's Folsom is seeking a CPU Physical Design Engineer to advance next‑gen CPUs powering AI and analytics. You will handle implementation from RTL to GDS, and work with cross‑functional teams across logic, circuit, and design automation groups.

The role requires 1–2 years of VLSI design and STA experience, plus a strong foundation in physical design concepts, clocking, and power integrity. Intel offers a hybrid work model, competitive compensation, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's degree with 1–2 years of relevant design experience
• Experience in VLSI circuit design, static timing analysis, and low power design
• Familiarity with CPU physical design concepts and cross-functional collaboration

Responsibilities

• Performs physical design implementation from RTL to GDS to create a design database for manufacturing
• Conducts verification and signoff including formal equivalence verification, STA, and DRC/LVS checks
• Analyzes results and recommends improvements to CPU microarchitectures with cross‑functional teams
• posseses CPU‑specific expertise in physical design aspects including clock design, timing closure, and power/area optimization
• Works with industry EDA vendors to enhance tool capabilities for high‑speed, low‑power, synthesizable CPU

Skills

VLSI design

Static timing analysis

Low power design

Physical design flow

Scripting (Python/Tcl/Perl)

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, Computer Science or Electrical/Electronic Engineering or any STEM related degree

Master's degree in computer engineering, Computer Science or Electrical/Electronic Engineering or any STEM related degree

Tools

EDA tools

Job description

Job Details

Job Description: Intel is shaping the future of technology to help create a better future for the entire world. Our work in pushing forward fields like AI, analytics, and cloud-to-edge technology is at the heart of countless innovations. With a career at Intel, you'll have the opportunity to use technology to power major breakthroughs and create enhancements that improve our everyday quality of life. Join us and help make the future more wonderful for everyone

Life at Intel: We're looking for motivated and talented engineer to join the US CPU design team. In this role you will be critical to the development of next generation CPU's designed to power the AI revolution.

The CPU Physical Design Engineer

• Performs physical design implementation of custom CPU designs from RTL to GDS to create a design database that is ready for manufacturing. Conducts all aspects of the CPU physical design flow including synthesis, place and route, clock tree synthesis, floor planning, static timing analysis, power/clock distribution, reliability, and power and noise analysis.
• Conducts verification and signoff including formal equivalence verification, static timing analysis, reliability verification, static and dynamic power integrity, layout verification, electrical rule checking, and structural design checking.
• Analyzes results and makes recommendations to improve current and future CPU microarchitectures closely collaborating with logic, circuit, architecture, and design automation teams.
• Possesses CPU-specific expertise in various aspects of structural and physical design, including physical clock design, timing closure, coverage analysis, multiple power domain analysis, structured placement, routing, synthesis, and DFT.
• Works intimately with industry EDA vendors to build and enhance tool capabilities to design a highspeed, lowpower synthesizable CPU.
• Optimizes CPU design to improve productlevel parameters such as power, frequency, and area. Participates in the development and improvement of physical design methodologies and flow automation.

Highly Qualified Candidates Will Possess The Following Behavioral Traits

• Strong problem solving.
• Tolerance of ambiguity.

Qualifications

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates.

Experience listed below would be obtained through a combination of your school work/classes/research and/or relevant previous job and/or internship experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• The candidate must possess a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, Computer Science or Electrical/Electronic Engineering or any STEM related degree and 2+ years of experience OR master's degree in computer engineering, Computer Science or Electrical/Electronic Engineering or any STEM related degree and 1+ years of experience.
• 1+ yrs. of experience in VLSI circuit design and synthesis.
• 1+ yrs. of experience in Static timing analysis
• 1+ yrs. of experience in Low power design

Preferred Qualifications

• x86 CPU architecture.
• Tcl/Perl/Python programming.

Benefits At Intel

Our total rewards package goes above and beyond just a paycheck. Whether you're looking to build your career, improve your health, or protect your wealth, we offer generous benefits to help you achieve your goals. Go to Intel Benefits | Intel Careers for details of benefits available to you. Intel reserves the right to modify, change or discontinue benefit plans at any time in its sole discretion.

Job Type

Experienced Hire

Shift

Shift 1 (United States of America)

Primary Location:

US, California, Folsom

Posting Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

Position of Trust

N/A

Benefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $105,650.00 - 200,340.00 USD

The range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role

This role will be eligible for our hybrid work model which allows employees to split their time between working on-site at their assigned Intel site and off-site. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.